The Question:

When were contact lenses invented?

The Answer:

The first contact lens was invented in 1887 by A.E. Fick, a
Swiss physician. It was made of glass, and was both uncomfortable and
difficult to fit. It was followed in 1938 by the first plastic contact
lens, and in 1950 by the first lens to cover only the cornea. For more
information, see our contact
lens encyclopedia entry.